McIntosh 2105 vs Bryston 4b opinions

erniejade
erniejade Posts: 6,321
edited December 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
I currently have a McIntosh 2105 but have a chance to trade for a Bryston 4b. http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1291420228.jpg

I have never heard a Bryston but I have heard they are a great amp and the 4b was a fantastic amp.
Has anyone heard them side by side? Any opinions either way?
Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
Post edited by erniejade on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited December 2010
    I am not sure but is this the 1st series 4B? it looks like it went through some changes over the years from 200 WPC to 250 and now 300.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2010
    erniejade wrote: »
    I am not sure but is this the 1st series 4B? it looks like it went through some changes over the years from 200 WPC to 250 and now 300.
    It looks to be of mid -late 80's vintage(pre NRB series) so just outside of the 20 yr warranty.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited December 2010
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Bryston-4B-Amplifier-/130459844197?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e60033e65

    looks just like this on in the back with the 2 toggles.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2010
    erniejade wrote: »
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Bryston-4B-Amplifier-/130459844197?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e60033e65

    looks just like this on in the back with the 2 toggles.
    Yes that chassis style was used in the time frame I mentioned.Some of the later ones will have toroidal transformers instead of EI core types as this is when they began the transition to them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited December 2010
    I've had an ear on both of those amps. Now,just my opinion, but the later 4b had alot of grunt on the low end,very powerfull but a tad harsh up top. The Mac wasn't as tight down low but had a silky smooth top to it.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2010
    tonyb wrote: »
    Now,just my opinion, but the later 4b had alot of grunt on the low end,
    Bass control and slam are definately a Bryston hallmark.
    ... but a tad harsh up top.
    Thats the general consensus on the older units so they might not be the best match for speakers with a rising top end.The newer generations are more refined in the upper mids and treble whilst retaining the potent bass performance.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited December 2010
    Tonyb thank you that is what I was looking for. I know not everyone has heard the 2105 let alone know the Bryston line up. It seems the 4b has a lot of different changes over the last 20 years. I have always heard great things about bryston and can trade even up.

    The other small thing I have to consider is re-sale, the McIntosh will hold its value and 10 years down i can still get 7-900$ for it. Where as the bryston that might not be the case. I have a habbit, like many of us on here, to buy and sell. Whatever I do I usually break even on the gear. I am not sure if i would break even if i sell it in a year or so if I trade for the McIntosh.

    I might save up and look for ST version.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited December 2010
    I never had either of these amps, w/ saying that if I had a choice I would go w/ the Mac 2105. Just the glow of those famous meters and at 105wpc not bad. The Bryston looks like my Adcom gfa555 200wpc just a little smaller. If I had cash o plenty it would be a 2105 / c-28 pre and some ESS HEIL AMT-1S.
    living in the past if you can afford it is fun I hear. I can not and don't so it's
    Adcom>Onkyopre>Infinity sm112s>Denon1940ci cdp.....LW
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited December 2010
    Your right. On looks alone the mcintosh has it hands down. Something about the glowing meeters that is always pleasing.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter